UK Launch – Licence to bribe? The role of middlemen in defence procurement

In the last five years, 80% of UK exports of major conventional weapons have been delivered to markets assessed to have high to critical corruption risk in their defence institutions. In many of these countries, the lack of oversight over defence deals and secretive nature of the sector creates huge opportunities for abuse by corrupt agents. When selling to states with high vulnerability to corruption, like Saudi Arabia, India, and Indonesia, and where agents are commonly used to secure contracts, is it possible to stay within the bounds of anti-corruption legislation?

On Tuesday 28 June, Transparency International Defence & Security invites you to the UK launch of Licence to Bribe? Reducing corruption risks around the use of agents in defence procurement. This report looks at how major governments like the US and UK are pursuing arms deals with corrupt nations, and how this is increasing opportunities for corruption by middlemen. Following introductory remarks, the panel will discuss the report and its implications before opening the discussion to the floor.